Vacuum cleaner with electric cord-reel attachment



Aug. 26,-1-958 B. J. TAMARIN 2,848,731

- VAGUUMICLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CORD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27,1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR. B. J 75 M021 Aug. 26, 1958 B. J. TAMARIN 2,848,731

VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC v CORD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. B. J ZQMflP/N HTTOENEY Aug. 26, 1958 B. .1. TAMARIN 1 VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CORD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27, .1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. B. J Tfl/WHEl/V Aug. 26, 1958 r B. J. TAMARIN VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CORD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR.

B. J Tan/Mm Aug. 26, 1958 B. J. TAMARIN 2,848,731

VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CQRD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27, 1949 '1 Sheecs-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

B. J 72 M021 Aug. 26, 1958 B. J. TAMARIN VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CORD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27; 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 {9 25. INVENTOR. 'ZZJ 727M/7/Ql/V 1958 B. J. TAMARIN 2,848,731

VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CORD-REEL ATTACHMENT Filed July 27, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVEN TOR. B. J fihwwP/N firro p fy United States Patent VACUUM CLEANER WITH ELECTRIC CORD-REEL ATTACHlllENT Application July 27, 1949, Serial No. 107,091

33 Claims. (Cl. 323) The present invention relates to electric cord-reels adapted to be operatively mounted upon and exteriorly of the discharge ends of the torpedo type vacuum-cleaners, upon which cord-reels a quantity of electric cord is secured and stored with the inner ends of the electrical conductors thereof connected to the collector rings or to the brushes of a pair of revolubly related ring-and-brush contacts and from which cord-reel the cord may be dispensed or on which the cord may be wound, at the will of the user, whereby to provide a convenient storage space and dispenser for electric cord.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cordreel which may be permanently or detachably or displaceably secured to the exhaust-end of a torpedo-type vacuum cleaner in the path of the air-discharge'therefrom and spaced from the exhaust-end so as to provide an open air passageway between the cord-reel and the discharge end of the vacuum-cleaner extending transversely of the axis thereof and in free communication with the exhaustport of the vacuum-cleaner, thereby to baffle and to defleet the discharging air into the space between the discharge end of the vacuum-cleaner and the cord-reel and in a direction transversly of the axis of the discharge port of the vacuum-cleaner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means to secure an electric cord-reel to the exhaust-end of a torpedo-type vacuum cleaner whereby the stream of air discharged from said vacuum cleaner will be directed away from the floor or other supporting means upon which said vacuum cleaner is resting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means whereby an electric cord-reel may be operativelyand displaceably secured to the discharge end of a torpedo-type vacuum cleaner, without preventing the attachment to said discharge outlet of said vacuum cleaner of a discharge conduit or hose or pipe or the like adapted to carry oii the discharge air from said vacuum cleaner.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a supporting means or bracket which may be secured to an electric cord-reel so as to permit said cord-reel to be secured in operative relation to a torpedo-type vacuum cleaner without interfering with the operation of said vacuum cleaner or said cord-reel; said supporting means or bracket being adapted for easy and ready maneuverability with respect to said vacuum cleaner whereby said cord-reel may be moved, relative to the discharge end of said vacuum cleaner, when it is desired to attach a blower hose to the discharge port.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric cord-reel upon the discharge end of a torpedo type vacuum-cleaner, so mounted thereon as to provide a supporting base for the vacuum-cleaner in an up-ended position of the vacuum-cleaner, when the vacuum-cleaner is not in use, as, for instance, when the hose is detached therefrom and the vacuum-cleaner is stored in a closet or the like.

The torpedo-type vacuum cleaner contemplated by the present invention generally includes an elongated and generally cylindrical body-portion having an intake end and a discharge end and means such as an electric motor and an air-mover such as a fan or impeller, disposed within said body portion to create a vacuum at the intake end and to discharge the air under pressure at the discharge end, whereby to draw air through said cylinder, and means within said cylinder to entrap dirt or dust particles carried by the air and to discharge, through the discharge end of said cylinder clean, filtered air, leaving behind, within the cylinder, the dirt or dust removed from said air. The torpedo-type vacuum cleaner contemplated in the present invention may be similar to those described in my U. S. Patents Nos. 2,292,250; 2,314,177 and in U. S. Patents 2,323,275 and 2,322,038 to Lofgren, and I refer to these disclosures only by way of illustration, and do not mean to limit myself to any specific construction of torpedo type vacuum cleaner.

The cord-reel or take-up reel contemplated by the present invention generally comprises a fiat circular housing within which a spring-wound reel is rotatably disposed and upon which reel a suitable length of electric cord may be wound with one end of said cord extending beyond said housing and with the other end of said cord operatively connected to slip-rings or brush-contacts or the like. A plurality of contacts (engaging said sliprings) are connected to an electric cord non-rotatably secured to the said housing, said non-rotatable cord connected to the vacuum cleaner motor.

By way of example, i refer to U. S. Patents Nos. 2,391,840, 2,159,004, 1,484,681, 1,551,856, 1,902,593, 2,443,701, 2,521,178 and 1,648,948 to illustrate electric cord-reels contemplated by the present invention, and do not mean to restrict my disclosure to any specific form of electric cord-reel construction.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like parts,

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a torpedotype vacuum cleaner with a cord-reel attached thereto, representing one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 represents a side-elevational view of a torpedo type vacuum cleaner similar to that shown in Figure 1, with a cord-reel and reel-mounting means afiixed thereto, representing the same embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 represents a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Pig. 2.

Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the reelmounting means shown in Figures 13, inclusive, shown detached from the cord-reel and from the vacuum cleaner.

Figure 5 represents a digrarnmatic perspective view of the air-flow from the discharge end of a torpedo-type cleaner when cord-reel and mounting means of the embodiment of Figures l4, inclusive, are applied thereto.

Figure 6 represents a side-elevational view, partly in section, of a cord-reel non-detachably but pivotly secured to the discharge end of a torpedo-type vacuum cleaner, with the mounting means for said reel partly disconnected from the discharge end of said vacuum cleaner and with a discharge conduit or hose connected thereto.

Figure 7 represents a side-elevational View, partly in section, of the cord-reel and mounting means shown in the embodiment of Figure 6 with the cord-reel and Figures 6-8 inclusive taken generally. along lines 9- 9 of Figure 7. 1

Figure '10 represents a side-elevational view of ..the

'rear-end of the torpedo type vacuum cleaner and another embodiment-of a reel-attaching means adapted to support a cord-reel upon said vacuum cleaner.

Figure 11 showsan elevational view of the rear end of a torpedo type vacuum cleaner, similar to that shown in Figure 10, but :with' the mounting-means of the embodiment of Figure supportingthe cord-reel in its al- .;ternate position on the rear end of the vacuum cleaner, 1 and'with a discharge conduit or hose secured to the discharge end of-the vacuum cleaner (as shown in dashdot lines).

Figure. 12 represents an end elevational view of the vacuum cleaner and mounting-means of embodiment .shown in Figures 10 and 11, taken generally along lines '12-12 of Figure 10.

Figure 13 represents an end elevational view of the cord-reel and mounting-means of the embodiments shown in-Figures 10-12 inclusive, taken generally along lines 1313'of- Figure 10. V

Figure 14 represents a top plan view of the rear end of thevacuum cleaner of the embodiment shown in Figures 10-l3 inclusive shown with the cord-reel in the supporting position disclosed in Figure 10 and taken generally along line'1414 of Figure 10.

Figure 15 represents a perspective diagrammatic view of the flow of air from the discharge end ofa torpedo type vacuum cleaner including the reel-mounting means disclosed in Figures 1014 inclusive.

.- Figure 16 represents still another form of torpedo type vacuum cleaner with a cord-reel secured at the discharge end thereof, representing still another embodiment of the present invention.

'Figure 17 represents a top plan view, partly in section,

of the rear-end of the torpedo-type vacuum cleaner and cord-reel shown in Figure 16, with the mounting means shown in Figure 16 shown partly in section.

Figure '18 represents an elevational view, partlyin section, the mounting means and cord-reel of Figures 16 and 17, taken generally along lines 18?18 of Figure 17.

Figure 19 represents an elevational view, similar to Figure 18, of the cord-reel and mounting-means shown in-Figures16T18, inclusive, showingthe cordereel pivoted about .the reel-mounting means whereby to remove the cord-reel from a position behind the discharge outlet of I .1he. vacuum cleaner.

said vacuum cleaner. 7

Figure 23 represents an elevational view, partly in section. of the cord-reel and reel-supporting means of Figures 20-22, inclusive, taken. generally along lines 23- -23 of Figure 21.

Figure 24 represents a rear perspective view of the reel-vsupport-ing means disclosed in the embodiment of Figures 2023, inclusive.

Figure. 25 represents a perspective view ,ofithe, cordreel support-bracket of the embodiment of Figures 2024 inclusive.

Figure 26 represents an. elevational view of the rearend of still another embodiment of torpedo-type cleaner with reel-suporting means connecting a cord-reel to said vacuum cleaner.

' Figure 27 represents a topplan view taken generally along lines -27 '27 of Figure-2 6.

Figure 28 represents a top plan view similar to Figure 27 but showing the cord-reel tend the reel supporting means of Figure27 pivoted 90.;degrees about one of its supporting members so :as .torremove said-reel. from be-- hind the discharge. endof said vacuum cleaner.

Figure 29 represents an end-elevational view, partly in section, of the discharge (end pt the-vacuum cleaner shown in the embodiment of Figures 263l, inclusive, partly in section, showing the releasing mechanism which I permits the reel and-mountingmeaus to be pivoted away from the discharge end of said vacuum cleaner.

Figure 30 represents a perspective view .of the discharge end of thevacuum cleaner shown in the embodiment of Figures 26 -31, inclusive, ,more clearly to reveal the portions on said housihgwhich support the reelmountingvmeans of this embodiment.

Figure 31, represents a perspective view of thereelmounting bracket shown. in the; embodiment of Figures 2631, inclusive, a 1 i Q In the embodiment of Figures 1-5 inclusive there is shown a reel-supporting meansfor detachably securing a cord-reel .to'the discharge end, of-a torpedo-type or tank-type ,vacuum; cleaner. The vacuum cleaner .40 comprises a generally cylindrical body-portion 41 having anose-portion or front end-42 secured: thereto to which front endorintake end a section hose (not shown) may be secured through the opening..43 therein. The rear or discharge. endofthe vacuumcleaner has a frustoconical shaped .cover-portion 44 secured to the body portion-41.

The forward end 42, body portion. 41,v and rear-end 44, form a generally integral unit containing the suction fan, collection bag, motor unit and-other component parts comprising thegenerally standard tank-typevacuum cleaner.

To the body portion 41;.a carrying handle45. may b secured by .which the vacuum cleaner-may. be carried, and also includesv a plurality of supports or legs 46, upon which the vacuum cleaner may be placed when not be: ing transported and. which may support thevacuum cleaner'with the-axis of, said vacuum cleaner generally parallel with theplane of the supporting. surface.

Within the, body portions 41, 42 and..44, an electric motor 47 is disposed,- to which a rotary 'fan may ,be operatively connected so as to createa vacuum within the intake chamber 48 (behind the. front opening 43) and discharge the airthrough: the discharge conduit or chamber 49. Appropriate electrical connections 50 may be made between ,thernotor 47,-. and a connector plug 51 secured to the housing44,.generallyat the rearof the vacuum cleaner. ,By making appropriateelectrical connections-to the plug Sl, the motor 47 vis causedto-operate and, a, flow of air drawn through the vacuum. cleaner from the'intake opening 43 through the passageways 48 and49 and dischargedihrough the rear .or discharge opening 52 in-the housing portion 44.

A cord-reel 53 having an extensible cord 54 disposed therewithin insuch a manner whereby the cord,54 may 'be lengthened or shortened, as desired, is secured atthe rear end of the vacuum cleaner, as..will be hereinafter idescribed. The cord-54 may have electrical contacts .movlng electric contactuwithsuitable connector brushes (not. shown); said brushes,- generally .non-rotatably. se-

within the body of the ,cord .reel 53, adapted to: make cured to a support 55 and electrically connected tothe wire or electric .cord, 56. Inthismannerelectric current may esu pl esi th qu h he-r Mendn m through the connector 55 to the cord 56 which, in turn, may be connected through the plug 57 to the connector 51 on the housing portion The cord-reel 53 provides means to supply electric current through the wires 54 and 56 tothe wire 50 and thus to energize the motor 47 and operate the vacuum cleaner without having an unsightly and unmanageable length of cord 54 strewn about the work-area in which the vacuum cleaner is to be operated and which permits the cord to be collected in or dispensed from the cordreel 53 as the vacuum cleaner (with the cord-reel 53 connected thereto) is moved toward or away from the source of electrical energy to which the cord 54 is connected.

The cord reel 53 may be similar to the cord-reel disclosed in U. S. Patents Nos. 2,391,840; 2,159,004 or 1,648,948, but these references are cited only to illustrate the general type of cord-reel contemplated by the present invention.

The support-member of bracket 58 permits the cordreel 53 to be secured to the vacuum cleaner 40 without interfering with the discharge of the compressed air through the discharge chamber 49 and discharge opening 52.

As is shown particularly in Figure 3, the housing member 44, generally frusto-conical in shape, converges at the rear end thereof and terminates in a transverse flange 59 which may have an in-turned end 60 forming the discharge opening 52 at the rear end of the housing member 44.

The discharge opening 52 is usually circular in shape so as to receive therewithin, if desired, a discharge conduit or hose (not shown) through which the discharged compressed air may be blown and carried away from the vicinity of the vacuum cleaner 40 and thus prevent it from being discharged directly to the atmosphere through the discharge opening 52.

The supporting-member or bracket 58 which adapts the cord-reel 53 so as to be supported at the rear end of the vacuum cleaner 40 upon the discharge opening 52 is shown more clearly in Figure 4. This bracket or supporting member 58 includes a body portion 61 having a generally circular opening 62 therein which is approximately the same size as (or larger than) the discharge opening 52. The body portion 61 has a plurality of angularly disposed, integrally formed extensions 63 and 64 disposed at the upper and lower ends thereof, respectively. The extensions 63 and 64, in turn, have terminal-portions or reel-contacting portions 65 and 66, respectively, which are adapted to fit against one side of the cord-reel 53 and to be secured thereto either by soldering or welding, or by riveting or by screws or the like, shown at 67 and 68 in Figure 3.

Along one arcuate lower-portion of the edge of the opening 62, an integral lip 69 is formed of an appropriate size and shape so as to inter-engagingly contact the edge 69 of the opening 52 in the transverse end portion 59 of the outer portion 44 of the vacuum cleaner 40. The lip 69 may be arcuate both in transverse and longitudinal directions so as conveniently to fit over the edge 60 and to permit the bracket 58 to be supported upon the opening 52, along a portion of its lower edge 60.

In order to prevent the bracket 58 from falling away from the opening 52 at the upper edge and secure it to the body-portion 44, an adjustable thumb-nut 70 and locking-finger 71 are operatively disposed along the upper edge of the body portion 61 and the extension 63, in adjustable relation thereto, whereby the hooked shaped portion 72 of the finger 71 may be engaged behind the edge 60 of the opening 52 and securely clamped thereagainst to lock the bracket member 58 in immovable relationship with the body-portion 44 of said vacuum cleaner.

As is shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 4, the locking device includes the threaded thumb nut 70 operatively disposed upon the threaded end 73 of the finger 71 so as to draw the hooked end 72 of the finger 71 against the edge of the opening 52 when the thumb nut is turned upon the threaded portion 73. A locking nut 74 prevents the thumb nut 70 from being completely disengaged from the threaded portion 73, and a compression spring 75 urges the hooked end 72 of the finger 71 against the edge 60.

The finger 71 is supported at its upper end in the hole 76 in the extension 63, and near its lower end in the apertured tab-like portion 77 protruding from the body portion 61 near the upper. edge of the opening 62 therein.

A plurality of guide tabs 78 may be angularly disposed in relation to the body portion 61 (on the same side thereof as the lip portion 69) so as to guide the bracket 53 into juxtaposition with the discharge opening 52 when assembling the cord-reel S3 and the bracket 58 to the vacuum cleaner 48.

In addition, a plurality of tabs 79 and 80 may be angularly disposed in relation to the body portion 61 so as to contact the outer surface of the body portion 44 and generally prevent the rotation of the cord-reel 53 and the bracket 58 in relation to the body portion 44. If desired, the body portion 44 may have a plurality of recesses or shoulders disposed therein adapted to engage the tabs 79 and 80 to securely inter-engage the bracket 58 and the body portion 44 and prevent relative rotation of these two parts.

The operation of the embodiment of Figures 1-5 is as follows. The bracket 58 may be secured to the housing of the cord-reel 53, as by the rivets or screws 67 and 68, and in such manner may be supplied to any owner or user of a vacuum cleaner having a discharge opening 52 adapted to receive the contact portions of the bracket 58. To assemble the reel 53 (and the bracket 58 attached thereto) to the discharge opening 52, the thumb nut 70 is unscrewed from the threaded portion 73 so as to move the hook portion 72 away from the upper edge of the opening 62 in the body portion 61; that is, to move the hooked portion 71 towards the center of the opening 62. When the thumb nut 70 is unscrewed the spring 75 generally urges the thumb nut 70 and the thread portion 73 away from the center of the opening 62, but a downward push on the thumb nut 76 will compress the spring 75 and bring the hooked portion 72 toward the center of the opening 62, and in this position the lip 69 may be fitted over the edge 60 of the opening 52 and the bodyportion 61 pivoted (about the lip 69) so as to bring the tabs 78 into the opening 52 and to bring the hook 72 of the finger 71 inside the opening 52. Then the downward pressure on the thumb nut 70 may be released and the spring 75 will force the hook 72 behind the upper edge of the opening 52 and engage bracket 58 in the opening 52. The thumb nut 70 may be screwed down against the upper surface of the extension 63 and securely lock the hook 72 behind the edge 60 of the opening 52.

In order to remove the cord-reel and the bracket from the discharge opening 52, it is necessary only to unscrew the thumb nut 70, press down thereupon and disengage the hook 72 from the edge 60 of the opening 52, pivot the upper end of the reel 53 outwardly (away from the housing 44) about the lip 69, until the hook 72 clears the edge 66 of the opening 52, and then lift the lip 69 from the lower portion of the edge 60. This leaves the open ing 52 free to receive a discharge conduit or hose therein if such is desired.

It will be noted, with particular reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5, that the cord-reel 53 is supported behind the discharge opening 52 a substantial distance. This permits the discharged compressed air to pass through the opening 52 without encountering any resistance to the flow thereof. The extension 64 extends across the entire width of the opening 52 (and, indeed, somewhat therebeyond), so that the discharged compressed air is prevented from flowing downwardly between the cord reel 53 and the housing portion 44, and thislhame' plate or extension-64 thus prevents the discharged air'from disturbing-any dustor dirt disposedalong the supporting area upon which the-vacuum cleaner 40 is'resting. The expelled air 'will be discharged laterally, as shown in Figure 5,'and may also be discharged partially upwardly since the angularly disposed edges of the extension 63 provide a small upper opening. The area: of the discharge opening formed between the cord-reel 53 and the body portion 61. of the bracket 58 is somewhat in excess of the'area of the discharge opening 52, so that there will be no tendency to retard the discharged air'as it passesout of the opening 52.

.The flow control feature of the supportingibracket of the present invention is highly: desirable inasmuch'as it prevents the discharge of .air. against the supporting surface, whichn-would create a storm of .dust disposed upon the supporting surface, all to the discomfiture and discontentofthe person. using the vacuum cleaner. With the present invention, the air is discharged laterally and upwardly where it.creates no disturbance of 'thedust upon the supporting surface.

Moreover, because thexcord-reel 53 is disposed directly behind the discharge opening;52,' thedischarged air from the opening '52 is prevented from flowing rearwardly :of the vacuum cleaner 40 in a concentrated vortex or stream, but .is" diffused and discharged on three sides of the air from flowing rearwardly of the vacuum .cleaner and disturbing any drapes, curtains or dusty surfaces which may be disposed to'the. rear of the vacuum cleaner.

The supporting member ofitheembodiment shown in Figures 1-5, inclusive, is particularly desirable becauseit permits a. standard hose-reel of the type disclosed in U. S. Patents 2,391,840, 2,159,004 or 1,648,948 to be attached to a standard torpedo-type vacuumcleaner by theuser or purchaser of said vacuum cleaner and does not require any complicated or technical adjustments to permit the reel to be-used with. thevacuum cleaner. Moreover, the

, reel may .be detached easily :from the vacuum cleaner,

when such is desired,to permit thevacuum. cleaner to operate as an air compressor, if desired, or permitithe discharged air to be conducted through a conduit to an appropriate place remote from the discharge end ofthe vacuum cleaner.

When the cord-reel 53 is removed from the discharge opening;52, so that the discharge conduit (not'shown) may beattached to the opening 52, the cord-recl-53 may be placed on the supporting surface directly adjacent the bodyportion 44 (with the cord 56 and'the plug 57 connectedbto the connector 51) thuspermitting the vacuum cleaner to function regardless of the fact that the cord-reel has been disconnected from the supporting portion of the vacuum cleaner housing'44.

With reference now to 'Figures 6 -9, inclusive, there is-shown a modified embodiment of the support-member or bracket disclosed in Figures 1-5.

The modified bracket '90-supports a hose-reel 53 at the rear-end of the body-portion 44, adjacent the discharge opening 52, in a generally permanent relationship thereto, although permitting the hose-reel 53- to be moved from juxtaposition with the discharge opening 52 to permit a discharge conduit or hose 91 to be secured in the discharge opening 52, whensuch is desired.

The bracket-90 is similar in construction to the bracket 58'except that'the lip 69 and the tabs 78, 79 and 80 are not formed in the body portion 61., In addition, the extension 64-11 is not. disposed at right angles to the body portion 61 but is disposed at a lesser angle; generally about 45 degrees thereto. These modifications appear more clearly in Figures 6 and 7.

To the extension 64-a is secured one-half 92 of a hinge-member 93. The .hinge portion 92 may be secured to the extension 64-41 as by spot-welding or any other convenient method.

7 opening 52 thus preventing any concentrated stream of bracket -will be in-alignment withthe discharge opening 52 in the body portion-44.

When it is desired' to'connectthedischarge conduit'or hose 91 in operative relation with the discharge opening 52 (as is shown more clearly in Figure 6) the hook 72 is disconnected from'the edge 60- of the dischargeopening 52 so that the cord-reel 53- is permitted to pivot about the pin on thehinge 93 and assume a position generally shown in Figure 6. In this position the discharge opening 52 is exposed to view and-the discharge conduit 91 can be attached therewithin inany'appropriate or suitable 'manner'customa'ry for the type of vacuum cleaner'to which the cord-reel 53 and support-member 90 are seemed.

The embodiment shown in Figures 6-9 generally will be used when :theass ern'bly is to be a permanent one, with: the cord-reel attachedduring the construction of the vacuum cleaner. The'pivot-pin 95 may be riveted into place and the cord .56 may be connected directly to the motor 47 without having a make-and-break connection such as shown in Figure 2, comprising the plug-portions or connectorsi5lrand 57. The cord-reel and cleaner shown in Figures'6-9 inclusive-are to be construed as a unitary structure'and the cord-reeliand vacuum cleaner will be sold as 'a:.-single .unit, rather than separately as in the caseof theembodiinent shown in Figures 1-5 inclusive.

However, the operation of theernb'odiment shown in Figures 6-9 inclusive (except for the removal of the cord-reel) ;is the. same as shown iii-Figures 1-5, particularly with'reference to the use of the bracket 90 and cord-reel 531 as a baflle to diffuse the discharged air upwardly and laterally rather than directly'to the rear or down against the cleaner-supportingsurface.

The embodiment .of'the present construction shown in Figures 10-15 inclusive is also'adapted to position the cord-reel53 in juxtaposition'to the discharge opening 52 at the'rear' end 44 of the vacuum cleaner housing.

The bracket. 'shown in the embodiment of Figures 10-15 generally includes afirst body portion 101 and a second body portion 102 "angularly disposed in relation to the. first body portion and integral therewith. The body portion101.has an'opening' 103 thereinwhich is adapted to .be aligned-"With the discharge opening 52 of the housing portion 44, and is somewhat larger than the discharge :opening v52. The body portion 101 is adapted to be. secured .to the end-portion or flange 59 at the rear-end iof thezbody portion44, and this may be done either :by riveting or welding or otherwise securing the'body portionzlflltoflange 59, as is shown particularly in Figures 11 andiil2;

The body portion 101'has a pair of flanges 104 and 105 formed alongithe left and right'vertical edges thereof, respectively, adapted to provide grooves or'guide channels between the flanges 104' and 105 and the body portion-101. These :groovesare shown more clearly in the top plan iviewof Figure 14. The lower edges 106 and 107 of the-flanges 104 and 105 may be crimpedior otherwise flattened against the body portion 101, as .is shown in Figure '11, soas'to'close off the lower end of the channel and to providea stop-portion therein.

The supporting bracket 108, shown clearly in perspective in Figure 15, has a main body portion 109 adapted to be welded or otherwise secured to one surface of the housing of the cord-reel 53. The main body; portion 109 has a plurality of flanges 110 and 111 protrudingtherefrom at right angles and integral therewith,

said flanges 110 and 111 terminating in angularly disposed ends 112 and 113 respectively. A bottom flange 114 protruding at right angles to the body portion 109 and at right angles to the flanges 110 and 111 completes the box-like construction of the supporting bracket 109.

With reference to Figure 14, it is seen that the flanges 112 and 113 are so dimensioned and positioned as to slide readily into the grooves formed by the flanges 104 and 105 of the body portion 101, thus permitting the cord-reel 53 to be secured by the bracket 109 in juxtaposition to the discharge opening 52, in a manner similar to the support for the cord-reel 53 heretofore described.

As shown in Figure 15, the box-like structure formed of the flanges 111), 111 and 114 serves to direct the air upwardly and laterally from the discharge opening 52. The air is discharged laterally through the apertures 110-a and 111a in the flanges 110 and 111 respectively. The area of the openings at the top of the bracket 1119 and the area of the apertures 110 -a and 111a in the flanges 110 and 111 should be in excess of the area of the discharge opening 52 to prevent any back pressure in the discharge passageway 49.

The body portion 102 also has a plurality of flanges 115 and 116 along the generally vertical edges thereof; said flanges 115 and 116 being crimped at the lower end as at 117 and 118 to form a second pair of guide-grooves into which the flanges 112 and 113 may be inserted. The cord-reel 53 may be removed from juxtaposition w1th the discharge opening 52 and supported in the grooves formed by the flanges 115 and 116 (as is shown more clearly in Figure 11). When the cord-reel 53 is supported on the body member 102, the discharge opning 52 is free to receive the discharge conduit 119 therewithin In the embodiments of Figures -15 inclusive, the electrical cord 126 is generally permanently connected between the cord-reel 53 and the electric motor (not shown) within the housing of the vacuum cleaner 40. In this fashion the cord-reel 53 is adapted to be sold and used as an integral part of the vacuum cleaner, and as such, is adapted to be completely assembled at the factory and sold as a unit. However, the cord 120 may have a detachable connector (such as the connector 57) secured at one end thereof, adapted to make connection with a mating plug or connector (like the connector 51) attached to the body portion 44 of the vacuum cleaner. if such assembly is contemplated, the cord-reel mlght be sold as a unit separate and distinct from the vacuum cleaner, per se, and the cord-reel might be purchased and assembled and connected to the vacuum cleaner by the owner or user without the necessity of any technical or complicated factory-type assembly. I

With reference to Figures 1619 inclusive, there is shown still another embodiment of the present 1nve ntion whereby the cord-reel 53 may be mounted in axlal alignment and in operative juxtaposition to the discharge end 44 of the tank-type or torpedo-type vacuum cleaner 40. In the construction of the cleaner shown 111 Figures 16l9 inclusive, and particularly Figure 16, the guides 46-11 which support the cleaner 46 upon the supporting surface such as the floor or the like, may be secured to the body portion 41 as by the brackets 13% and 131, and may be tubular or rod-like portions which form runners or anti-friction members upon which the cleaner 40 may be supported or pulled across the supporting surface. The rearward extensions 132 and 133 of the guides 46-41 may extend upwardly and rearwardly and inwardly toward the discharge end 44 of the cleaner 4%, terminating in horizontally extending end-portions 134 and 135 respectively which are disposed generally parallel to the axis of the vacuum cleaner, particularly at its rearward end, and at the same horizontal level at the axis of the discharge portion 44 of the cleaner.

The horizontal end-portion 134 may have a reduced diametered portion 136 terminating in a threaded end 137 which a nut 138 is adapted to engage. The horizontal end-portion terminates in a reduced diametered portion 139 having a headed portion 141) thereon.

To the body portion of the cord-reel 53 and near the edge thereof, a bearing-bushing 141 is secured to the body of the cord-reel by the flange 142, as by spotwelding or soldering or otherwise securing the flange to the bodyportion. The bearing-bushing 141 has an internal diameter adapted slidingly and rotatably to fit over the reduced diametered portion 136 of the horizontal end-member 134, after which the nut 138 may be turned upon the threaded portion 137 to secure the bushing 141 (and the cordreel 53 secured thereto) rotatably upon the reduced diametered portion 136.

At the opposite side of the housing of the cord-reel 5.3, a spring-clip or C-washer 143 is secured in such a position that the spring-tabs 144 and 145 of the clip 143 may slip over the reduced diametered portion 139 of the horizontal end-member 135 behind the head 14%? thereof. In this manner the cord-reel 53 may be supported on the horizontal members 134 and 135 with the axis of the cord-reel 53 generally in line with the axis of the vacuum cleaner, to act as a baffle and prevent discharge of an axial stream rearwardly from the cleaner.

Moreover, an angle bracket 146 may be secured to the housing of the cord-reel 53 (generally below the discharge opening 52) when the cord-reel 53 is operatively connected to both of the horizontal support members 134 and 135. This bracket 146 prevents the discharge of air downwardly from the rear of the vacuum cleaner while yet permitting the air to be discharged laterally and upwardly, all for the purpose heretofore described.

When it is desired to make an operative connection between a discharge conduit or hose and the discharge opening 52, the C-washer may be lifted from the horizontal support 135 and the cord-reel 53 pivoted about the horizontal support 136, as is shown more particularly in Figure 19. This exposes the discharge opening 52 and permits the ready attachment of a discharge conduit or hose thereto, as all heretofore described. I do not mean to limit myself to the spring-type C-washer used to make connection between the horizontal support 135 and the cord-reel 53, inasmuch as any detachable connection may be used to support one end of the cord-reel upon the horizontal support 135 in such a manner whereby the cord-reel 53 may be pivoted about the support 136 so as to expose the discharge opening 52 when desired.

With reference now to Figures 20-25 inclusive there is shown another embodiment of the invention used to secure a cord-reel 53 near the discharge end 44- of the vacuum cleaner 4%, which is similar in its construction to the embodiment shown in Figures 1619 inclusive. Thus, the vacuum cleaner 4% shown in Figures 20-24 is similar to that shown in Figures l6-l9, being supported upon a plurality of guides or runners 46a connected to the body portion of the cleaner as by the brackets 13d and 131. The guides 46a terminate in rearward, upward and inwardly extending portions 132 and 133 having their terminal ends vertically disposed as at 150 and 151. The vertical extensions 150 and 151 extend axially beyond the discharge opening 52, and are disposed parallel to each other and an equal distance from the axis of the cleaner.

The vertical portion 150 has a reduced diametered portion 152 terminating in a threaded end 153 which is adapted to receive lock-nut 154 thereupon. The terminal portion 151 extends no higher than the shoulder 155 between the portions 152 and 150 and has therein a hole 156.

A bracket 157 is secured to the housing of the cordreel 53, as by riveting or welding or any other fashion, and has, at either end thereof, bearing-bushings 158 and 159 formed therein. The bearing-portion 159 has an internal diameter adapted slidably to fit over the reduced diametered portion 152 and to be secured thereupon by the -lock-nu't 154. In this manner the cord-reel 53 'is free to pivot about thevertical extension150, so as to assume a position generally transverse of the axis of the vacuum cleaner and in a bafiie-like relationship'thereto (as is shown in Figure 21) or which may be swung away from the discharge end of the cleaner so as to expose the opening 52, as is shown more clearly in Figure 22. An

angular bafiie-plate 160, similar to thebafiie-plate 146 heretofore described, may be secured to the housing of the cord-reel 53 so as to prevent the discharge of air in a downward direction.

In the bearing-portion-158 of the bracket 157 a locking pin 161 having a finger-grip 162 secured at the upper end thereof is adapted to fit with its lower end 63 protruding beneath the lower end of the bearing 158 in such a manner that it mayenter the circular hole 156 in the support-member 151 when the bearing 158 and the support 151 are axially aligned. A spring 164 urges the pin 161 into the hole 156 (when'the bearing 158 and the support 151 are aligned) so as to prevent the accidental dislodgment of the pin 161 from the hole 156. However, when it is desired to move the cord-reel 53 to the position shown in Figure 22, it is necessary only to lift the finger-grip 162 so as to draw the end 163 of the. pin '161 from the hole156 thereby permitting the bracket 157 to pivot about the reduced diametered portion 152 of the supporting member 150.

It is obvious that the reduced diameter portion 152, instead of being integral with the supporting member 150, may be screw-threadedly attached thereto (as by insertion into a hole similar to the hole 156 in the opposite supporting member 151) and thus the supporting members 150 and 151 would each terminate at the level heretofore described with'respect to supporting member 151. In this fashion the vacuum cleaner in Figures 20-25 inclusive could be supplied without the cord-reel 53 attached thereto and, if desired, the cord-reel 53 could be supplied as a separate unit and easily attached to the vacuum cleaner in Figures 20-25, by inserting a pivot-pin similar to the reduced diametered portion 152 into the supporting member 150, attaching the bracket 157 secured to the cord-reel 53 to this pivot-pin and securing the pivot-pin and bracket together. It is obvious, from the foregoing description, that the assembly of Figures 20-25 could either be a factory-assembled unit or a separate assembly by the user or owner of the vacuum cleaner purchasing the cord-reel as a separate unit and applying it to the supports 150 and 151, as heretofore described.

Figures 26-31 inclusive illustrate an embodiment whereby the cord-reel may be secured to the discharge end of a tank type vacuum cleaner by modifying the body member 44 so that the said body member 44 will provide a support for the mounting bracket secured to the cord-reel 53. As is shown particularly in the perspective view of Figure 30, the tapering end-portion 44-a has a plurality of can 170 and 171 formed therein, through which the holes 172 and 173 are provided. The supporting members .170 and 171 with the holes 172 and 173 thereinare disposed laterally on each side 3 of the discharge opening 52. A bracket 174 may be secured to the cord-reel 53 as by the flanges 65-a and 66-11, similar to the flanges discussed with reference to Figures 1-5 inclusive. The body portion 61-a of the bracket 174 has lateral extensions 175 and 176 therein, in which the upper and lower supporting members or hingeportions 178, 179, 180 and 181 are formed. The hinge-members 178 to 181 inclusive are adapted to fit about the support members 170 and 171 with the holes 182 and 183 in the tabs 178 and -179,'respectively, being aligned with the hole 172-in the support 170, and with the holes 184 and 185 in the tabs 188 and 181, respectively, being in alignment with the hole 173 and 'the support member 171.

A pivot-pin 186 may be. passed through the holes 172,

182 -and .183,-after'the' bracket 174 and the-'iterniinal portion 44-12 havebeen placed in alignment thus securing one end 'of the bracket 174 to the discharge portion of the vhousing'44-1/z, whereby'the bracket (and the cordreel secured thereto) may pivot aboutthe-pivot-pin 186, as is shown more clearly in Figures 27-and 28.

The hole 184 in the tab has a slot 187 therein through which the locking pin 188 (supported inthehole 173) is adapted to'pass when'the bracket174 is pivoted about the pivot-pin 186 'so as to bring the tabs 180 and 181 into operative juxtaposition with the support member 171; A stop-member.189 .is' supported on the 'pin'188 and is urged by'the springtoward the upper surface of the supporting member 171 and through the hole 184 in the tab 180 -when'the hole 184 is in alignment with the hole 173. The enlarged diameter of the locking member 189 prevents the tab 180 from moving out of alignment with the pin 188, until the lock member .1189 islifted, against the .pressure of the spring 190, so as to raise it out of the'hole 184, thus permitting the bracket 174 to be pivoted about thepivot pin 186 and-permitting the slot 187 to pass the pin 188, whereby the cord-reel may be movedto the position shown in Figure 28. from the position'shown in Figure27. Th-is exposes the discharge opening52, if such is desired.

The vacuum cleaner of Figures 26-31 may be sold separately, without the cord-reel attached thereto, with a discharge: housing member 44-a having the support members 170 and 171 and the holes 172 and 173 formed therein. With vacuum cleaner having this discharge housing-44-a, the ownerfor user could'attach a cord-reel 53 with the mounting bracket 174 secured thereto if such is desired'merely by bringing the bracket 174 into operative juxtaposition'with the support members 170 and-171 and inserting thepivot pin 186 through theholes 182, 183-and 172:and securingthe pin therein. Inlike manner thelocking memb'er189. may be attached-to'the hole 173 by'the pin-188, as heretofore described. In such manner the vacuum-cleaner and the cord-reel could be dispensed as separate units, to be attached by the owner or operator of the vacuum cleaner. On the other hand, if the cord-reel and vacuum cleaner were desired to be sold as a unit, having been pre-assembled at the factory, the assembly of. the bracket 174 to the supporting members 170 and 171 could be made in a more permanent manner (such as by riveting the pivot pin 186 into place) and, in this manner, the assemblyymight be contemplated as a:single unit including both the vacuum cleaner and the cord-reel.

The bracketvmembervl74 is similar, in its :operation, after assembly to the'dischargeend 44-aofthe vacuum cleaner, as is the operationofthe bracket 58 described withparticular reference to Figures 1-5.

In the embodiments shownin Figures 1-5, 6-9 and 26-31, the bracket or mounting-support is, in .each instance, generally U-shaped in cross-section taken on-a plane passing through the main body portion 61 and the portions 6364 and flanges 6566. Thus, the body portion 61 forms the basal span while the portions 63 and 64 (and 64-12) form the legs of a generally shallow or flat U-shape, while the portions 65 and 66 constitute reel-carrying flanges at the free ends of the legs of the U-shape.

The present invention also serves to provide the vacuum-cleaner with a base at its-discharge end, upon which it maybe rested or stood in an up-ended position when it is desired to store'the vacuum-cleaner. Thus, the generally flat central portion of the outer reel-housing serves as a base upon which the cleaner-and-reel may he stood in a generally vertical position for storing-same on a floor area which is comparatively small'in contrast to that required for storing the vacuum-cleaner in its horizontal position.

While in the accompany-ingdrawings thetorpedodype vacuum cleaner is shown, and while in the following claims reference is made to the torpedo type of electric vacuum cleaner, yet the term torpedo or the words torpedo type as used in the claims is intended to comprehend any type of vacuum cleaner in which the dust and dirt entrained in the intaken air is either filtered out or deposited out of the air by means contained within the vacuum cleaner housing and which therefore does not have a filter bag exteriorly of the vacuum cleaner housing, and from which the discharging air is discharged in a concentrated or directed stream emerging from a discharge port of the vacuum cleaner housing. Thus, the term torpedo is intended to include broadly tank type vacuum cleaners and all vacuum cleaners which do not have a dust bag exteriorly of the vacuum cleaner housing.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having described my invention, 1 claim the following:

1. In combination with a torpedo type electric vacuumcleaner having an elongated housing containing an electric motor and an air-mover and a dust-col1ector, and adapted to have its axis rearwardly disposed when in normal use and having a generally horizontally-discharging air-discharge port, an electric cord-reel having stationary electric-terminals adapted to be operatively connected to said electric motor, said cord-reel mounted exteriorly of the housing of said vacuum-cleaner and in juxtaposition to said discharge port and in the path of the air-discharged therefrom and with its major dimension disposed transversely of the axis of said vacuum-cleaner housing and spaced a substantial distance from said discharge-port to provide an air-passageway open to the atmosphere between the cord-reel and the vacuum-cleaner housing transversely of the axes of the vacuum-cleaner and of the cord-reel, said cord-reel including means arranged to baflie at least a major portion of the air discharged from said port and to deflect it in directions transversely of the axes of said vacuum-cleaner and of said cord-reel through the space therebetween, and electric conductors extending from the stationary terminals of said electric cord-reel to the electric-motor of said vacuumcleaner.

2. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 1 but in which the cord-reel is displaceably mounted upon and exteriorly of the housing of the vacuum-cleaner.

3. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 1 but in which the cord-reel is detachably mounted upon and exteriorly of the housing of the vacuum-cleaner.

4. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 1 but in which a mounting support is operatively interposed between the bacuum-cleaner and ther cord-reel, and has a reel receiving and carrying portion and a fastening portion in off-set relation to each other so as to space the cord-reel from the discharge port of the vacuum-cleaner and form said air-passageway therebetween, said fastening portion being adapted for displaceable engagement with the vacuum-cleaner.

5. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 4, in which the mounting-support includes aligning means adapted to project into the discharge port of the vacuumcleaner, thereby to aid in maintaining the mountingsupport in axial alignment with said discharge port.

6. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 4, in which the mounting-support includes a fixed lip and an adjustable hook, juxtaposed to each other and adapted to engage the inner periphery of the discharge-port of the vacuum-cleaner, thereby to lock the mounting support to the vacuum-cleaner.

7. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 6, in which the mounting support is provided with aligning lugs for preventing the rotation of the mounting-support in relation to the vacuum-cleaner when operatively mounted thereon.

8. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 6, but in which the adjustable hook is carried on a slidable stem, slidably mounted generally radially of the axis of the discharge port, said stem having a screw threaded portion, and a screw-nut threaded thereon for tightening the hook into locking engagement and for releasing the hook from locking engagement.

9. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 8, in which the hook-carrying stem is keyed against rotation about its axis.

10. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 1, in which the cord-reel is hingedly mounted upon and exteriorly of the housing of the vacuum-cleaner.

11. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 10 but in which the hinging-axis is generally horizontal in the operative position of the vacuum-cleaner.

12. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 10 but in which the hinging-axis is in a generally upright position in the operative position of the vacuum-cleaner.

13. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 10 in which a movable latch is provided in an operative relation to the free-swinging portion of the reel, for forming a detachable engagement between the free-swinging portion of the reel and vacuum-cleaner housing, thereby releasably to hold the hingedly-mounted reel to the vacuum-cleaner in a latched position and to permit the reel to be swung away, upon its hinge, to an unlatched position.

14. An electric cord-reel having a mounting-support to mount on the discharge-end of a torpedo type vacuumcleaner in operative juxtaposition to the discharge-port thereof and in the path of the air discharged therefrom with the major dimension of the cord-reel disposed transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleaner, said mountingsupport being adapted to space the cord-reel from said port to form an air-passageway open to the atmosphere between said discharge port and the hub of said reel transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleaner and in direct communication with the discharge-port thereof, means exteriorly of the hub of said cord-reel arranged to baffie the air discharged from said port and to deflect it transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleaner through said air-passageway, said mounting-support having at least two opposed fastening-portions, for displaceably fastening said cord-reel to said vacuum-cleaner in the above-stated relationship to the discharge-port thereof, at least one of said fastening-portions being displaceable in relation to the vacuum-cleaner and in relation to said mounting support, and at least one of said fastening-portions being non-displaceable in relation to the mounting-support, the displaceable fastening-portion being adapted for detachable engagement with the vacuum-cleaner.

15. An electric cord-reel having a mounting-support to mount on the discharge-end of a torpedo type vacuumcleaner in operative juxtaposition to the discharge-port thereof and in the path of the air discharged therefrom, with the major dimension of the cord-reel disposed transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleaner, said mountingsupport being adapted to space the cord-reel from said port to form an air-passageway open to the atmosphere between said port and the hub of said reel transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleaner and in direct communication with the discharge-port thereof, means exteriorly of the hub of said cord-reel arranged to bathe the air discharged from said port and to deflect and discharge it transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleaner through said air-passageway, said mounting-support being generally U-shaped in cross-section, and having flanges at the free ends of the legs of the U-shaped cross-section, said flanges being aflixed to the housing of the reel, and with the intermediate basal span of the U-shaped crosssection carrying at least one displaceable fastening mem- 15 "her and'at' least one non displaceable fastening-member for engagement with'the vacuum-cleaner.

16. An electric cord-reel having a mountin'g support to mount-*on the discharge end'of-a torpedo type vacuum- "cleaner inoperative *jux-tap'osition to the discharge-port thereof and in .the'path'of theair discharged therefrom with-the major dimension ofthe-cord-reel disposed transversely of the axisofthe vacuum-cleaner, saidmountingsupportbeing adapted'to space the cord-reel from said port to form an air-passageway opento tl-le atmosphere between said port :andtthehub of said' reel-transversely of the axis of the vacuum-cleanerand 'inidirectcommunication with the discharge-port thereof, means exteriorly of the hub of'said cord-reel arranged to gbaflie the air discharged fromsaid port 'and to-defiectdt transversely-of the'axis of the vacuum-cleaner through'isaidainpassageway, said mounting-support having -reel-carrying portions secured to the reel housingand having fastening' portions intermediate and-inwardly of thereel-carryi'ngportions and offset in relation thereto',--said fasteningportions being adapted .fo'r displaceable engagement with thevacuumcleaner.

17. An electric cord-reel having 'a m'ounti'ng-support as claimed in claim 14,but in which one of said fasteningportions is a fixed'port engaging lip'a'ndthe other is a movableport-engaging lip; each adapted to engage the discharge=port of the vacuumcleaner,' the movable portengaging lip being disposed formovement in a direction radial to the axis of the discharge-port.

18. An electric cord-reel having a mounting-support as claimed in claim 17, in which the movable p'ort-engaging lip is carried by a screw-'operate'd-stem and including a "manually-operable screw portiondis'posed intermediate the reel and the vacuum-cleaner-when the reel is 'operatively mounted-upon'the vacuum-cleaner and which extends outwardly in a radial direction a suf ficient'distarlce to 'be readily' accessible to manual *operation. a

19. An electric 'co'rd-reel having a mounting-support as' claimed in claim 15, but in which the intermediate basal span of the mounting-support has an aperture therethrough corresponding -ge'nerally to the discharge port of the vacuum-cleaner and adapted'to be disposed inregistrationtherewith. I a

20. An electric cord-reel havinga mounting-support as-claimed in-claim 19, but in 'which the intermediate basal span of'the mounting-supportcarries said displaceable fastening-mem'berdisposed generally radially of the axis of the aperture in said'hasal spanand carries a hook at itsinner end to engagethe discharge-port.

21. An electric'cord-reel having-a mounting-support, as claimed in claim 16, in which'the'fastening-portions include a stationary and a movable fastener, each adapted to engage the discharge-port or the vacuum-cleaner.

22. A mounting-deviceas claimed in claim 21- but in which one of the fastening members is a hinging means and the other a movable locking means;

23. An electric cord reel having --a' mounting-sup'port, as claimed in claim l6,'butin which the fastening-portions include-hinging" means for hinged connectionwith the vacuum-'cleanerbody and also locking means for locking the fastening-portion and the reel in itslocked position aboutsaid hinging means.

24. A'mounting device-for exteriorly mounting an electric cor'd-reel upon a torpedo type vacuum-cleaner-having an air-discharge port, said mounting device'including'a reel-receiving portion for'carryrn'g an electric cord-reel affixed thereto and'at least two opposed fastening-portions for displaceablyfasteningsaid mounting device and the reel carried'thereby to'said vacuum-clean'er in operative juxtaposition to-the discharge port thereof and in the path of the air discharged" therefrom, with the major dimension-of the cord-reel disposedtransv'ersely of-the axis of the vacuum-cleaner,at'leastone' of saidfastening- "portions being so constructed and arrange'clfastdbe-dis- -p1aceable in'relation to said mountingdevice and adapted for detachable engagement with the vacuum-cleaner, at least one ofsaid fastening portions being arranged in 'no'n-displace'able relation to i said mounting-device, sai'd fastening-portions beingvso ofiset in relationto the reelreceiving portion of saidmounting device as-to space the reel from the discharge-port of the vacuum-cleaner so transversely of the axis of fthevacuurh-cleaner through said air-passageway.

25. A mounting device for exteriorly mounting an electric cord reel upona 'torpedotype vacuum-cleaner having an an-discharge port, said'mounting device being generally U-shaped in cross-section and having. outwardly disposed reel-receiving flangesxat the free endsof the legs of the U-shaped cross-section for carryingan electric cord-reel'afiixedthereto and-at least one fasteningmember'carried by the intermediate basal span'of the "U shaped cross-section in=displaceable relation thereto for 'displaceably fastening said mounting device and the reel car-ried thereby i to said vacuum-cle'aner and at least one fastening-member carried vby said mounting :device in 'n'on-displaceable relation theretofor fastening saidv'mounting-devic'e and I the 'reel carried :therebyto :said vacuumcleaner in operative juxtaposition to '.the discharge port thereof 'and'in the path of'theair dis'charged therefrom, with themajor dimension of the cord-reel disposed transversely of the :axis of the vacuum-cleaner, saidintermediate basal span being so offset in relation toxthe outwardlydisposed reelt-receiviugflanges of 'said mounting device as to space the reel .trorn the.dischargerporhof the vacuum-cleaner so as to form an air passageway open to the atmosphere therebetween transversely of-the axisof the vacuum-cleaner and in directcommunication with said port when saidmounting=device and the reel carried thereby-are operatively-mounted upon the vacuumcleaner, whereby the air discharged from said port is baffled and deflected transversely of the axis of the vacuum cleaner through said =airpassageway.

26'. A mounting device forrexteriorly mountingaan electric cord-reel upon atorpedo type'vacuum-cleaner having an air-discharge port, said mounting deviceicomprising'a plate having reel-carrying portions and an apertured cleaner-engagingportion oflset in relation to said reel-carrying portions "so 'as -to space the reelfromthe discharge port-of the vacuum-cleaner and soas'to form an air-passageway through said iaperture' andthenceibetween the reel andtheva'cuum-cleaner transversely-of the:axis of the vacuum cleaner and in direct communication With said'po'rt when said mounting device andrthe reel-carried thereby are op'eratively:mounted-upon the vacuum-cleaner, whereby the air discharged from said port is baffled and ,deflected transversely of the axis'of the vacuum-cleaner through said air-passageway.

27. A mounting-device as claimed in claim 24, in which one of thefastening-portions is a hinging means and the other is a locking means to lock 'the :mountingdevice aboutsaid hinging means.

28. A mounting-device as claimed in claim 25, but in' which the intermediate basal portion-of "said-mountingdevice is provided with an aperturethrough whichthe air discharged from the port may pass."

29. In :combinati-on, a torpedo' type a electric vacuum cleaner having an elongated housing. containing air-electric motor, and air mover and a dust'collector,.said housing adaptedto have its longitudinal axis generallytrhorizontally disposed when'in normal useand'havinga generally horizontally discharging air :discharge port, can "electric cord reel, and electric corda'nd said'reel adapted to be zconductively connected tozsaid motor; meansfor mounting 17 said cord reel in a position exteriorly of said housing and in juxtaposition to said air discharge port and in the path of air discharged therefrom and with the major dimension of said reel disposed transversely of said axis of said housing, said mounting means being formed to space the cord reel, when in said position, a substantial distance from the discharge port of the cleaner and to provide an air passageway open to atmosphere between the cord reel and the housing transversely of said axis of said housing, said cord reel including means arranged to baifie at least a'major portion of the air discharged from said port and to deflect it transversely of said axisof said housing through said air passageway to atmos phere.

30. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 29, in which the means for mounting the cord-reel includes means for detachably securing it to the vacuumcleaner.

31. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 29, in which the means for mounting the cord-reel is hingedly connected with the vacuum-cleaner.

32. The subject matter claimed in foregoing claim 29, in which the means for mounting the cord-reel is hingedly connected with the vacuum-cleaner about a generally horizontal hinging axis.

33. The subject matter claimed in the foregoing claim 29, in which the means for mounting the cord-reel is hingedly connected with the vacuum-cleaner about a generally upright hinging axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS McConnell Nov. 20, Stokes Aug. 18, Berg Mar. 26, Tritter Jan. 10, Swanson Oct. 25, Anschicks June 3, Demuth Feb. 20, Helm-Hansen Feb. 25, Welch June 30, Murdoch et al Feb. 23, Lofgren June 15, Lofgren June 29, Dow May 16, Nance Jan. 31, Meletti Sept. 5, Crabb Dec. 19, Kroenlein Apr. 29, Schesser June 23,

FOREIGN PATENTS France Jan. 4, Germany Aug. 7, 

